A Special Guest... Shares From the Heart

"Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.  But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God."  1 Timothy 5:3-4 (NIV)

We, as the church, are charged with helping those who are in need.  However, this does not mean the family members of the person in need do not need to give assistance.  As this passage in 1 Timothy states, by helping our parents and grandparents when they are in need, we are repaying them.  We do not become human ATMs for those who are able, but choose not to work.  Nor do we become slaves for those who can, but refuse to care for themselves or their homes.  We seek God in prayer and when prompted to provide for someone in need we do so gladly, knowing a day will come when we will be in need and God will send his saints to care for us.  We benefit from this now because we have been given enough to be able to share with others, and we benefit later when others help us in our time of need.  And, above all, God is pleased. - Robin